JULY RUNNING

Just a little past the halfway point of 2008, here's some of the stats from the month was July ... The July Running Stats:

Total Miles Run - 104.62 (according to mapmyrun)
Days of Running - 17
Longest Run - 10.5 miles
Approx. calories burned - 13,617

In 2008 I have logged approx. 806 miles and I am still well on my way to running at least 1,000 miles for the year.

GOOD BYE SOUTH BEND

For nearly six years I have called South Bend, IN home. After less than four months here I was ready to be done with this place and ready to board the first plane, train, car out of this town. Somehow I was able to stick out those first few months and soon after, bigger things were in the works.

* The entire Silver Hawks experience
* Masters Degree
* Notre Dame athletics
* Marathon
* Granger Commmunity Church
* Preaching/Teaching
* Coaching @ Saint Mary's
* Visits to Chicago
* Center for the Homeless
* India
* ... and, of course, the amazing people

I believe I played like a champion during this chapter of my life. I have failed, succeeded, made mistakes and learned from them. Aside from a few really, really bad winter days it has been a great experience to be apart of this community.


Whatever the next chapter of my life holds, I certainly owe a lot of it to how my experiences in South Bend have molded me into the person I have become and becoming. Sometimes we are called to do things that are uncomfortable and very risky and this next challenge and chapter of my life is just that. None the less, I am stepping forward with a teachable spirit and an excitement that will help others around me as I try to be apart of something bigger than me. Here's to hoping that a continued search for the next right thing advances God's Kingdom.

Thanks for the fun times South Bend, IN and until next time ...

IN RECOGNITION OF ...

My experiences in South Bend have been filled with so many positive memories, life changing moments, experiences filled with heartache but most importantly people who have touched my life. And to each of you, I say the following …

… Aaron Preston -- your constant smile and companionship goes farther with me than you will ever know. Be sure to stay teachable through out life!

… Amber Heatherly – thanks for all the questions and the thought provoking moments we’ve had. Thanks for all the lattes at the Beanery too!! ;-)

… Andy Gregar – we’ve shared some fun and unique experiences. Meeting Isaac Slade and, of course who could forget, pandaquake! Thanks for your insight and positive attitude.

… Angie Qualey – putting up with me must have been like a full-time job and because of your grace, you have taught me a lot. You deserve nothing but the best as you advance the Kingdom of God.

… Blair Carlstrom – my friend you have changed my life forever in such a positive way. Need I say more? I certainly could but I’ll just stop there.

… Cara Mclemore – how many great conversation have we had? Too many to count! Your journey is a thing of beauty and please be sure continue to search and question for what God has in-store for you.

… Charissa Seitz – you have a great attitude and a hunger for life that is rarely seen! Keep on serving those who need your help!

… Corey Mann – thanks for allowing me to talk music with you! Remember to risk something everyday!

… Dan Geans – you are a great Barnes and Noble buddy! Never be afraid to buy a girl some hot chocolate because you never know will it will lead – ha!!

… Jon Anderstrom – where ever you might be in the world right now I know that you are advancing the Kingdom … Rock on my friend!

… Jeanna “Teach” Miller -- you really are my first friend in South Bend! Who ever thought that a Sunday night in the middle of November in the Carlstrom basement would evolve into our unique relationship? Thanks for allowing me to build into you and even a bigger “Thanks” for putting up with my crazy ways.

… Jeanna Tripp – thanks for the running conversations and my crazy thoughts during our trip to India!

… Jen “Seitz” Gregar – your constant encouragement and great attitude meant more to me then you may ever know! Thanks for all the smiles!!

… Jen Gregar – hopefully your coffee addiction will subside and you can stay awake through the day! Thanks for all the planning and the smiles.

… John Pauley and Dr. John Pauley – thanks for the YouTube moments and the burritos! Dr. – thanks for the free advice during my visits to your office.

… Katie Matchette – who would have thought an Easter party would have blossomed into such a great friendship. Thanks for all the free meals too!

… Laura Kagarise – keep running toward all your goals and hopes of life! Thanks for your craziness that made so many people laugh!

… Kagasie (Dan & Karen) – your willingness to have an open home and a tender-hearted nature was very inspiring!

… Kevin Coates – you are man seeking God’s heart and that was very exciting to watch and it had such a positive impact of me as well as many others.

… Lindsay Murphy – thanks for helping with my fashion sense. Without it, I maybe more lost than I already am! ;-)

… Marty Preston – you have such a kind and generous heart, my friend! Your positive attitude was always appreciated. I will always remember our date with Springsteen as a changing moment in my life ;-)

… Melissa Halliday – talk about a roller coaster ride! ;-) Oh man, you have taught me so much about a lot of things. Your passion is inspiring!

… Naomi Seifert – thanks for being such a great friend. You coming up for my marathon meant so much more than you will ever know.

… Rachel Hoover – I hope that one day you find your job at Notre Dame!

… Rachel Simnack – hopefully your Bethel degree will take you very far. Thanks so much for your constant smiles and great attitude.

… Rebecca Oswalt – thanks for the fun and unique-ness that comes with your personality. I am so glad I got to know you.

… Rich Langraf – thanks for all the sports conversations and updates! But, don’t be afraid to put your phone down every now and then ;-)

… Saint Mary’s athletics – thanks for the flexibility with my schedule! I truly hope I left the Sports Information Department better than what it was when I started.

… Sarah Buetter – your continually smile and laugh were extremely wonderful moments that I will cherish. Keep on trying to figure out what the next right things means for you.

… Silver Hawks front office – for the long, long hours and the challenge of dealing with fans, thanks for getting me to South Bend! Without the opportunity to work there, who knows where I would be headed with my life.

… Tara Willis – hopefully one day a Gilmore Girls movie will be made! Thanks for conversing about them and keeping me updated!

… Tracy Decker – I always appreciated and enjoyed our conversations (long and odd as some may have been).

… Zach Allen – look me up next time you are in L.A. Thanks for all the conversations and be sure to challenge yourself on a regular basis!

OK, the scary thing about doing a list like this is you will leave a person or a few off the list. If I forgot you, I am very sorry and please no hard feelings. I just took a risk in even putting a list like this together so hopefully it turned out well.

MARCOM GOODBYE

From the same staff that brought you my "Norah Jones" moment after graduation, I give you "I [heart] Hinkel" (click on the photo and read the t-shirts) ...

IN CASE YOU WERE CURIOUS ...

... For the past few days I have been doing one (or more) of the following

- packing
- hanging out with friends
- at work
- applying for jobs
- sleeping
- driving
- eating
- running

I promise to be more of blogger-head again but not sure when that will happen.

BITS AND PIECES

Note - While I was working for the Silver Hawks two of the game day employees wrote out this little piece of work by Lois Cheney. I was cleaning out my apartment and came across the sheet of paper and I wanted to share it with you ...

Bits and Pieces.
Bits and Pieces.

People. People important to you, people unimportant to you cross your life, touch it with love and carelessness and move on. There are people who leave you, and you breathe a sigh of relief, and wonder why you ever came into contact with them. There are people who leave you, and you breathe a sigh of remorse, and wonder why they had to go away and leave such a gapping hole. Children leave parents; friends leave friends. Acquaintances move on. People change homes. People grow apart. Enemies hate and move on. Friends love and move on. You think of the many who have moved into your hazy memory. You look on those present and wonder.

I believe God's master plan in lives. He or she moves people in and out of each other's lives, and each leaves his or her mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who
ever touched your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you. Pray that you accept these bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question.

And never regret.

Bits and Pieces.
Bits and Pieces.

ONE REPUBLIC - MERCY

This is one really great song --

STARBUCKS CLOSING

And for those who were curious about which 600 stores are closing, the complete list --

HERE

Fortunately, there aren't too many in the L.A. area! You know, I've kind of wanted to be a part-time Barista ;-)

STARBUCKS & COP

... Maybe this is why Starbucks has to close 600 stores. To give free coffee or not to give free coffee?!?

I thought cops only visited doughnut shops anyway (sorry, for the overarching stereotype).

Daytona Beach cop fired for demanding free coffee

YANKEE STADIUM

Tonight the All-Star game is in Yankee Stadium. One of the most famous, if not the most famous, stadium in the history of sport. Since it is its last year of use, here are some of the top moment I remember watching at the "House that Ruth Built." (post 1995)

5) Charlie Hayes catching the final out of the 1996 World Series

4) Tino Martinez homerun in the game 4 of the 2001 World Series with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the game into extra innings

3) Derek Jeter winning game 4 with a homerun in the 10th inning

2) Scott Brosius game 5 homerun in the ninth inning with two outs in the 2001 World Series

1) Aaron Boone's 11th inning leadoff homerun in game seven of the 2003 ALCS

I was able to visit the stadium on five occasions and it is quite an historic place but it is time for a new place for the Yankees to call home.

NELSON MANDELA

Time Magazine really knocked one out of the park. In the current issue there is an incredible article on Nelson Mandela and his eight leadership principals. Complete Article

Granted I think the leadership characteristic often times takes up more focus than, say, the gifts of grace, mercy, serving, encouragement, etc., etc. However, this is one really good article. Plus Nelson Mandela has definitely earned the right to be heard on this and any other topic. Even if you don't have the leadership gift, there is still so much an individual can take away from this article.

Nelson Mandela's Eight Leadership Principals
1) Courage is not the absence of fear - it's inspiring others to move beyond it
2) Lead from the front - but don't leave your base behind
3) Lead from the back - and let others believe they are in the front
4) Know your enemy - and learn about their favorite sport
5) Keep your friends close - and your rivals even closer
6) Appearance matters - and remember to smile
7) Nothing is black and white
8) Quitting is leading

QUOTABLE DAN MARCHANT

I have no clue who Dan Marchant is and a google search didn't produce much of a result. None the less I enjoyed his quote in the current issue of Relevant Magazine.

"We don't really believe God's love is that powerful because if we did, we'd behave differently"

-Dan Marchant

RUNNERS = DIFFERENT

I first remember seeing this ad years ago in Sports Illustrated. I also remember thinking that runners are borderline crazy too.

While I haven't experienced this level of "different" yet, I think I might be willing to put myself out there if need be. Although trail running isn't my thing ... yet.

WORLD POPULATION

I think it might be time to be more missionally minded. Check out these world population based on one billion and the year:

First Billion on Earth - 1804
Next Billion - 1927
Next Billion - 1961
Next Billion - 1974 (4 billion people)
Next Billion - 1987
Next Billion - 1999 (6 billion people)
Next Billion - 2011 (approx.)

Think about it - it took 1,804 years (give or take) to get 1 billion people on the earth. In about 200 years we added roughly 5.5 billion people. Every 11-13 years the world adds another billion people.

Matthew 28:19-20 -- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Ready to play your part in the bigger story?

ONE MONTH TO GO ...

With one month left until the start of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China I wanted to share the most memorable moment of all the Olympics I have watched --



What Michael Johnson did during the 1996 games in Atlanta is still mind boggling. At one point in his world record breaking 200 meter run of 19.32 he was moving at 25 mph! Seriously a human being creating enough energy to go that fast is stunning.

He broke his previous world record of 19.66 which he set two months prior to the Olympics. Before that the record of 19.72 stood for 17 years! The closest anyone has come to his current record is when Tyson Gay ran a 19.62 in 2007. Over a decade later no one has come close to touching his amazing time!

I still remember the exact position on the couch I was sitting in and what my reaction was. Quite the memorable moment.

FOUL BALLS

I have been to countless baseball games in the my life. I got my first foul ball at a Harrisburg Senators game when I was probably 10 or 11 then didn't get another foul ball until I was 22 and the GM of the Pulaski Rangers. That time was out of shear protection when a ball came screaming at me and I grabbed it with my right hand.

My third foul ball came during the summer of 2002 when I was 23 years of age at a Salem Avalanche game. Then this Friday at the Silver Hawks game I got my fourth foul ball when I caught the misguided hit of a Lansing Lugnuts player. I grabbed it barehanded!

LITTLE LEAGUE

For whatever reason I found these photos while cleaning out my apartment. Why share them with the rest of the blogging world? Why not!?!

These were some good times! I was the starting first baseman for the Maytown Youth Organization Pirates. I have a hard time remembering how good we really were. But there are definately a few memories of playing peewee baseball in small town America:

* Post game ice cream after a big win
* One time we play all the way to the championship game of this major local little league tournament. We lost 2-1 and I made the last out!
* I almost always batted in the clean-up spot
* Swimming parties with the team
* I made the All Star team at least once (maybe twice)
* Getting my picture in the local newspaper
* Playing under the lights at Kunkle Field!
* Winning just two games one season but one of those wins was against the best team in the league

You know, life was much simpler then. No bills to pay. No gas prices to think about. No women problems. Not a care in the world. Good times in deed!

WIMBLEDON 2008

I think I just watched one of the greatest tennis matches ever played. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadel will go down as two of the best tennis players -- ever! What those two did on the court on Sunday was absolutely nothing short of beautiful, amazing, miraculous ...

Recap

QUESTIONS PT. 4

(Since finishing Donald Millers first book, I have been really thinking about some of the thoughts and ideas he presented. So, let's journey with some of those questions - see Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3)

What is the cereal in my life that I should be desiring? You know the basic needs of life. Not cars, money, worth but just the simple/basic things that truly sustain life.

I am reminded of an episode of the Cosby Show where Theo was talking to a food executive at this company who specializes in cereal and soup. The executive wanted to grow bigger and build more wealth by creating more "specialty" foods but Theo warned the executive that in times of economic struggle people just wanted "the basics" of life.

This is a somewhat haunting question for me because I am something a pack rat. I collect all kinds of stuff and even worse I buy things just to have them. What sense does that make? I have learned to become much more smart with my money but there is more than money that sustains a life worth living.

Granted there is nothing wrong with the pleasures of living. You know, things like baseball, reading, running and eating a cookie! However there seems to be something wrong with the glutony of those pleasures. Just because I have the most toys and the most pleasures doesn't mean anything really in the end. The person with the most pleasures doesn't win at the end of life. You know?

Simple things. What are mine to sustain a healthy God honoring life?

WONDER & AWE

Last Sunday I went to Willowcreek with the family and Nancy Beech did the teaching for the service. They are in the middle of a series called "toward wonder" and here are some really brilliant thoughts that captured me:

*Where has the curiosity and wonder gone? On average a kid asks 125 questions a day while adults asks just six (Just SIX!!) a day.

* How has routine and settling for the safe and normal ruined our ability to wonder, to inspire, to be in awe?

* So what makes you wonder?

I love the sight of ______________

I love the smell of ______________

I love the feel of _______________

I love the sound of _____________

These are excellent questions that most people probably don't ask enough. Image what your life would look like if you just "soaked in" each moment and enjoy the beauty and wonder that is all around us.

QUOTABLE MICHAEL JORDAN

I had lunch yesterday at the "Michael Jordan" table at Between the Buns so in honor of all that is "his airness" ...

"I have failed many times, and that's why I am a success."

WARSAW TRIATHLON

The guy on the left is my brother. He enjoys doing triathlons are a somewhat regular basis. Me, on the other hand, will rather run long distances and avoid the water and the biking all together. So needless to say his time was much better than mine. I am also unimpressed with his physical stature - HA!

He did the Warsaw Tri in something like 1:15 while I clocked in at 1:45. Doing 400 yards worth of swimming then biking 14+ miles then running 3.5 miles takes a lot of effort. I am just glad to be in good enough shape to accomplish such a task.

Overall the day was fun and the "free" t-shirt given to all the participants was cool! Not sure when (or if) I will run another Triathlon but this past one, while hard, was a good time.

HARD WORK AND PROVERBS

Just a few bible verses on the benefits of hard work and the problem with laziness:

Proverbs 12:11 -- He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

Proverbs 12:24 -- The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 13:4 -- The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 14:23 -- All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:25 -- The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

Proverbs 27:18 -- He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

Proverbs 28:19 -- He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

SOUTH BEND IS #76

Give it up for South Bend!! We are ranked the 76th most sweaty city in the nation!

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